Talking Therapies: Helping You Manage Stress, Anxiety and Phobias

Feeling anxious, worried, or stuck can make everyday life feel hard.

NHS Talking Therapies can help you manage these feelings. It’s free, confidential, and run by trained professionals. You can can find out more and refer yourself at nhs.uk/talk.

How it works

Support is available for many of the challenges we can face every day.

Even small steps, like going out, speaking up in a group, or getting through a busy day, are worth celebrating. NHS Talking Therapies give you practical skills to manage your thoughts, cope with anxiety, and take part in life again.

Some of the challenges and support available include:

• Obsessive thoughts and compulsions
• Panic attacks
• Flashbacks or distressing memories
• Worries about your appearance (BDD)
• Anxiety in social situations
• Phobias, such as fear of heights or spiders

Sessions can take place in person, over the phone, or online. This means you can choose what works best for you and move at your own pace. You will learn techniques that help you feel more confident, calmer, and in control.

How to get started

NHS Talking Therapies in Newcastle is run by Vita Health Group. Anyone aged 16+ registered with a GP and living in the city can access Talking Therapies for free.

You can refer yourself online using their digital referral assistant, or by calling 0330 0534 230.

You can get help in your first language with multi-lingual therapists or interpreters, and British Sign Language (BSL) is available where needed.

There are also easy-read formats and additional support for people living with long-term conditions, such as chronic pain or irritable bowel syndrome. Vita also offer employment support.

Taking the first step can feel scary, but it is worth it. Every step forward counts.

You can start today by referring yourself online and begin learning ways to manage your worries. With the right support, you can get back to doing the things that matter to you.